U.S. Terror Alerts: Updated Travel Warnings for Mexico and States on Do-Not-Travel List

U.S. Travel Alerts: Updated Warnings for Mexico

As of September 24, 2024, the U.S. State Department has revised its travel alerts for Mexico.

Overview of the Situation

The update cites "widespread and common" violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, and robbery. Certain regions are under a "do not travel" advisory, which is the most severe warning issued by the department. Only two states, Campeche and Yucatan, fall under the lowest advisory level, which is "exercise normal caution." In contrast, Quintana Roo, known for the tourist hotspot Cancun, requires "increased caution" due to crime.

Crime and Safety Concerns

The advisory emphasizes that violent crime is prevalent across Mexico and notes that the U.S. government has limited capacity to provide emergency services in many areas. Travel by U.S. government employees to certain places is prohibited or restricted, and local emergency services may be lacking outside major cities.

Travel Restrictions for Government Employees

Government employees face specific regulations, such as avoiding inter-city travel after dark and refraining from hailing street taxis.

State-by-State Advisories

In summary:

• Do Not Travel To: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas.
• Reconsider Travel To: Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, Sonora.
• Exercise Increased Caution: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Durango, Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, Veracruz.
• Exercise Normal Precautions: Campeche, Yucatan.

Additional Information

For more details and recommendations for safe travel, visit the State Department's travel advisory page.